"It's something which keeps me going and makes me so happy."

Mikhail Berkut is a former dance teacher/choreographer of the Royal Ballet School in London and with the DPF's support has been able to maintain his connection to the dance community.

"Twenty years ago when I was retired I never expected all this time that I would have close contact to Royal Opera House and ballet school - thanks to your supporting organisation."

The DPF has helped him remain part of the dance world. It has also been able to provide him with practical support following a prestigious career, which spanned Russia, Europe and culminated in London where he passed on his skills and expertise to future generations of dancers.

Mikhail Berkut is based in Hastings where with the DPF's support he is able to focus on writing his memoirs.

For more information, please call 01273 234011 or social@dancefund.org.uk.